West Town To Keep Gallows

November 22, 1986

DOUGLAS, Wyo. -- Western justice, the sort delivered with a tight noose and a short drop, went on trial Friday as residents decided that a gallows built for Douglas` centennial should remain on display as a tourist attraction.

Built from rough-hewn logs as part of the central Wyoming city`s celebration earlier this year, the gallows divided residents, so the local weekly Douglas Budget decided to conduct a referendum. The tally completed Friday evening showed 491 people favored leaving the structure in the middle of the business district, with 138 against.